Do You Struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder?

As we head toward winter, the Colorado air gets cooler and the sun sets sooner. For some people, this means cozy evenings and enjoying the absence of summer’s heat. However, it isn’t that way for everyone. When the plants go to sleep, the sun sets before the workday is done, and you wake up in the dark each morning, some people experience profound difficulty living daily life. It can hit them so hard they can’t function right and end up struggling through the winter. The effect of changing seasons on people is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. It’s something that many people put up with, but you don’t have to. Inner Source is here to help!

If you aren’t sure that SAD is impacting your life, there are some signs you can watch for as we move further into the cold months. Keep in mind that SAD shows up in the fall and improves in the spring. Some people experience minor symptoms and others experience it more deeply.

Depression

A majority of people experiencing SAD feel depressed. Depression manifests itself in several different ways, and one way might be stronger for you than another. Read the following list to see if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms:

Irritability

Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities

Low mood that won’t go away

Despair, worthlessness, guilt

High stress and anxiety

Withdrawing into oneself

Reduced libido

If you’re persistently experiencing any of these symptoms, SAD may be getting a hold on you. We encourage you to make an appointment with Inner Source. The seasons will always change, but you can make this winter the best one ever with the guidance of Beth Firestein. An experienced psychotherapist, she has over a decade of experience to offer you. Contact our counseling office in Loveland today!